Healthy eating helps your joints

Unhealthy food choices and limited physical activity can lead to excess weight gain and obesity for all people.¹ Being obese is associated with an increased risk of several chronic conditions.² People with a bleeding disorder often experience the effects of obesity immediately, as excess weight can limit joint mobility and may lead to more frequent joint bleeds.² Maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise may decrease joint complications.³

Before starting any diet, remember to check with your healthcare provider (HCP) or Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) before beginning a weight-loss regimen or starting an exercise program.

Good food choices

While no special diet is recommended for people with bleeding disorders, the basic concepts of healthy eating still apply. If you or a loved one has a bleeding disorder, choose a diet that includes variety from each of the food groups. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and low in solid fats, added sugars, and salt (sodium).⁴ Balancing food intake with physical activity helps in the maintenance of an optimal body weight.¹

Proper nutrition, combined with a safe and effective sports and exercise plan, is especially important to combat an increase in the number of overweight people with bleeding disorders.⁵ By choosing a healthy diet and getting the proper exercise, people with bleeding disorders can help improve their physical health and well-being.⁴

Check your weight regularly

Many treatments for bleeding disorders are adjusted for body weight. Therefore, if your weight changes, your treatment dosage may need to change. Be sure to advise your healthcare team if your weight has changed since your last visit.⁶